FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Averett University volleyball fell 3-2 to conference foe Methodist University on Tuesday night. The Monarchs rallied from a two-set deficit to upend the Cougars 19-25, 17-25, 25-18, 25-19 and 15-8.

Despite a slow start, Averett (13-12, 9-6 USA South) pulled away for a first-set victory. The Cougars again cruised in the second set to go up 2-0 in the match. Methodist (14-8, 8-6 USA South), however, didn't go away. The Monarchs battled back to take Set 3 to stay alive. Using that momentum, Methodist tied the match by taking the fourth set as well to force a deciding fifth frame.

Averett opened the fifth set with a 3-0 advantage, but Methodist followed with a 12-2 run to take control before eventually clinching the match.

Senior Keenan Marks led the Cougars with a triple-double, totaling 10 kills, 13 digs and 22 assists. Sophomore Brooke Aaron added a double-double of 12 kills and 13 digs. Senior Emily Stanley finished with a team-best 28 digs. Averett also got 13 digs and nine kills each from junior Abby Taylor and sophomore McKenzie Miller. Miller also tallied 21 assists.

Averett finishes its conference regular season schedule on Wednesday at Greensboro College.